Winter operation – BMW 2006 bmw 325i User Manual

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Winter operation

The onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.

Coolant

Be sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture
provides protection against freezing
down to approx. -34 7 (-37 6).
Replace the coolant every four years.

Locks

BMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After its use, treatment with BMW lock
barrel grease is recommended.

Rubber seals and components

To prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.

A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.

Snow chains

BMW snow chains can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this situation, it may be appropriate
to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC for a
short period of time. Refer to page

BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one
side or you cannot access one tire, then
a chain may be attached to one rear
wheel for a short period of time.

Starting off

When starting from a full stop in deep
snow or for "rocking" the vehicle to free
it, it may be effective to deactivate the
ASC+T/DSC system. Refer to page

Driving on low-traction road
surfaces

Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. On down-

grades or slopes, shift down to the next
lower gear at an early point. Maintain an
adequate distance between yourself
and the vehicle ahead.

Brakes

Winter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that braking distances will
be significantly longer as a result.

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.

If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this procedure. This type of
staggered braking will reduce the
braking distance, and the vehicle still
remains responsive to steering. It allows
you to steer around hazards once you
have reduced the pressure on the brake
pedal.